When the scorching summer heat hits, everyone scrambles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioning temp isn’t just about staying comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and lowering your energy expenses. So, what’s the right temp? The answer relies upon on your unique requirements and the time of day. Explore the best air conditioning temperatures when you’re at home, out and about or when you are sleeping.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home
The suggested daytime, at-home temperature for a home's air conditioner is 78 degrees. This temperature setting may seem very high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a couple of tips to help keep your home comfortable at 78 degrees:
- Use fans: Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a desk fan, circulating air actually makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to operate compared to your air conditioner.
- Dress lightly: What you wear drastically impacts your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics helps you stay cool during the summer months.
- Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows can easily heat a room significantly. To stop your home from becoming a greenhouse, hang curtains or blinds to block out the sun, particularly during the peak afternoon hours.
- Stay hydrated: Water consumption has a big part in regulating your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration boosts your body’s natural cooling processes.
- Cook smart: Cooking produces a surprising amount of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder, so don't use the oven or stove during the hottest part of the afternoon. Instead, use the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill out on the porch of patio until the weather cools off.
The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away
The DOE advises setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not going to be home for eight hours, which can save up to 10 percent on your cooling expenses. Buying a programmable thermostat is the quickest way to save without sacrificing comfort.
This upgrade allows you to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week depending on your schedule, decreasing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The important part is to utilize your programmable thermostat correctly. Here are some recommendations for taking advantage of its full power:
- Set it and forget it: Configure your thermostat to automatically turn the temperature up about a half hour before you leave for work or school in the morning. Then, set the thermostat to start bringing the temperature back down so a comfortable temperature resumes when you walk in the door in the evening.
- Use the vacation setting: If you’re going to be out of your home for a long time, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to use the “away” temperature for days at a time. This prevents extreme heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy to run your air conditioner in an empty house.
- Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works smoothly and efficiently at normal speeds. Plus, a dramatic 10-degree drop won’t cool your home more quickly. If you must, lower the temperature by only one degree and start up a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.
- Leverage smart capabilities: If you choose a smart thermostat, take advantage of its programming capability and extra features. Some designs can learn from your behaviors and adjust the temperature accordingly or be controlled remotely for exceptional comfort and convenience.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping
When it’s time to go to bed, the DOE recommends setting the temperature four degrees higher than your normal setting. However, many people find it difficult to sleep in a hot and stuffy room. This makes finding the suitable sleep temperature a problem. Thankfully, you can try several methods to beat the heat while you drift off to sleep:
- Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime clothing, your choice of sleepwear affects how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also affect your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the better solution.
- Run a fan: Just like during the day, a fan can provide a cool breeze in your bedroom at bedtime, making sleep more comfortable.
- Open a window: If it gets cooler at night, make the most of this by sleeping with the windows open.
- Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound strange, but a warm shower truly cools you down more than a cold shower. It works by increasing your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away faster.
Schedule AC Services this Summer in Fort Wayne
Finding a compromise between indoor comfort and energy efficiency is sometimes difficult. Why spend all summer searching for the ideal AC temperatures when Rolf Griffin Service Experts can help you make the most of your system? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in Fort Wayne are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with complete confidence. Call 260-557-1275 today to schedule the premium services you need with Rolf Griffin Service Experts .